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Design approach and system choices

Submitted by Passivhaus Trus... on Mon, 09/14/2015 - 13:41

Passivhaus should inform and influence every aspect of your design approach and choice of construction system. This need not be seen as limiting creativity of design nor as restricting what construction system to adopt. To achieve an economic solution, Passivhaus must be understood and integrated into the design approach and system choice from the outset.

Compactness of building form makes it easier to achieve Passivhaus standards, because the heat loss area (envelope) is minimised in relation to the building’s volume. In general the larger the building the easier it is to achieve the standard,...

This publication aims to address some of the questions and misconceptions that have been raised around Passivhaus, and to encourage developers and others to consider Passivhaus. It covers questions centring on ‘Why choose Passivhaus’ as opposed...

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Thinking of building a forever house? Make it a Passivhaus. This campaign is aimed at anyone contemplating building their own home. Discover why building to Passivhaus is good for you! A short video and brochure boast the many benefits that...

To help obtain the high energy standards necessary for Passivhaus, it is crucial that the design of a building allows it to be buildable. The essential principles, both in the design and the build processes, to be considered by the whole team...

Passivhaus does not dictate any particular construction system. Indeed, practically any construction system can be used and adapted to achieve Passivhaus, though each will have its own advantages and challenges for your particular project....

There are many factors influencing your approach to designing a building, including: location and site; your client’s brief, budget, and programme; funding requirements and regulatory standards; and your own design philosophy.

A teaser of the online training videos and presentations from our Passivhaus Trust Masterclass: Step-by-Step Retrofit which took place on October 24th 2016. The presenters are Jessica Grove-Smith, Passivhaus Institut and Bob Prewett, Prewett Bizley Architects.

The Enterprise Centre, a new development by the Adapt Low Carbon Group at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich, is aiming to achieve both Passivhaus certification and BREEAM outstanding ratings, as well as having one of the lowest embodied carbon footprints of any building of its ...